ATHIRAPPALLY

The Athirappally and Vazhachal waterfalls, located 63 kilometres from Thrissur at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, are very popular among picnickers. Athirappilly is situated on SH-21 highway Tamilnadu and Kerala & night driving is not advised. The two waterfalls are 5 kilometres apart. Athirappally Falls, located in the forest area, is about 80 feet high and is the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is a picturesque spot. Both the waterfalls are part of the Chalakkudy river. With their cool misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rock terrain, they make a scintillating experience. The riparian forests of the Chalakudy River have revealed the existence of a thick riparian vegetation of more than 10 metres width for a distance of 10.5 km downstream from Peringalkuth, covering an area of 58.5 hectares. Out of this, 26.4 hectares lie within the Vazachal area, including three large islands densely covered by riparian forests. The riparian forests of the area have been found to be characterised by the presence of typical riparian species of plants, in addition to evergreen and semi-evergreen species.Out of the 319 species of flowering plants identified from the study area, 24 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and 10 are rare and endangered. Moreover, the Chalakudy River is known for its diversity, as it contains 85 species of fresh water fishes out of the 152 species known from Kerala. Among these, 35 are endemic species of the Western Ghats and nine are considered to be endangered. Two water theme parks have been created here by diverting the river waters.